Denver ICE Agents at Polls Challenge
League of United Latin American Citizens, et al. v. U.S. Department of Homeland Security, et al.
A pro-voting lawsuit seeking to stop the Trump administration from deploying armed federal agents to polling places during the midterm elections.
Background
The City of Denver and several voting and civil rights organizations – League of United Latin American Citizens, Common Cause, Common Cause Education Fund, and UnidosUS – filed a lawsuit in federal court against the Department of Homeland Security and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) over the Trump administration’s policy of authorizing ICE agents to go to polling places to conduct routine civil immigration and customs enforcement operations. The lawsuit challenges the policy under the Administrative Procedure Act, arguing that it violates a federal law that prohibits government officials from sending “troops or armed men” to polling places unless it is “necessary to repel armed enemies of the United States.” The plaintiffs are requesting an injunction blocking the policy and prohibiting federal agents from operating or carrying weapons near open polling places, drop boxes, and other areas where votes are “taken, collected, received, counted, or certified.”
Why It Matters
ICE has been involved in many high-profile incidents and deaths in recent years, including the arrests and killings of American citizens. Their presence at the polls could intimidate lawful voters from participating in the midterm elections and disrupt election administration and the voting process.
Latest Updates
- Oct. 7, 2026: Plaintiffs filed their first amended complaint, adding Hennepin County, Minnesota as a plaintiff and additional defendants. The amended complaint also adds facts based on developments since the lawsuit was filed and asserts a new claim under 11(b) of the Voting Rights Act, which prohibits intimidation, threats, and coercion related to voting.
- Sept. 10, 2026: Plaintiffs filed their complaint.